Image mark sensing systems and methods

ABSTRACT

Systems and methods use a digital microform imaging apparatus for sensing an image mark on the microform containing the image of a document.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a continuation application of U.S. patentapplication Ser. No. 15/142,846 filed on Apr. 29, 2016, and entitled“Image Mark Sensing Systems and Methods,” which claims priority to andthe benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 62/155,280,filed Apr. 30, 2015, and entitled “Image Mark Sensing Systems andMethods,” and which also claims priority to and the benefit of U.S.Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 62/243,944, filed Oct. 20, 2015,and entitled “Image Mark Sensing Systems and Methods,” all of which arehereby incorporated by reference.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates generally to using a digital microformimaging apparatus for viewing a microform containing an image of adocument, and more particularly to using the microform imaging apparatusfor sensing an image mark on the microform containing the image of thedocument.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Microform images are useful in archiving a variety of documents orrecords by photographically reducing and recording the document in afilm format. Examples of typical microform image formats includemicrofilm/microfiche, aperture cards, jacketed microfiche, 16 mm or 35mm film roll film, cartridge film, both positive and negative, and othermicro opaques. For example, a microfiche article is a known form ofgraphic data presentation wherein a number of pages or images arephotographically reproduced on a single “card” of microfiche film (suchas a card of 3×5 inches to 4×6 inches, for example), or a roll of film.A large number of pages (up to a thousand or so) may be photographicallyformed in an orthogonal array on a single microfiche card ofphotographic film. The microfiche film may then be placed in an opticalreader and moved over an optical projection path of a film reader untila selected page is in the optical projection path. The reader generatesan image of the selected page, which is then presented on an imagerscreen for viewing. Although other electronic, magnetic or opticalimaging and storage techniques and media are available, there exists anextensive legacy of film type records storing the likes of newspapersand other print media, business records, government records, healthrecords, genealogical records, and the like.

Most rolls of microfilm can contain thousands of document images. Thesedocuments are generally ordered numerically or chronologically, althoughany arrangement is possible. Most often when roll film is used, a usermay desire to locate or view only one, or just a few, of the documentson the roll. Finding the desired document(s) can represent a significantchallenge of using microfilm. Once the roll of film is loaded onto amicroform imaging apparatus, a user could search for the desireddocument by advancing the film slowly while viewing pertinentinformation, such as numbers or dates on every document. However, toread this information, the film must be advanced very slowly. Using thismethod to find the one document among the possible thousands would takea very long time. To speed up the search process, the user can employ atrial and error approach, using fast forward and fast reverse roll filmmotor controls to more quickly move the film to a general locationwithin the roll of film, and then by using the slow roll film motorcontrols to ultimately find the desired document. Even the mostexperienced user wastes a great deal of time finding a desired documentin this way.

To speed up this search process, over the years and still today, somerolls of microfilm contain, not only the possible thousands of documentimages, but also an Image Mark (IM) by each image (see FIGS. 23-27 forexamples of IMs). Furthermore, a separate index can be created for eachof these rolls identifying the precise location of each document basedon the IMs. If a microform imaging apparatus is designed to read theseIMs, a user, armed with this index, can direct the microform imagingapparatus to automatically move the roll of film to the desired image,typically in just a few seconds.

There are several standards used for these IMs, with the “IM StandardISO 11926” and “IMS Standard Cannon & Kodak” describing the mostcommonly used IM standards (see FIG. 27 for examples). These IMs are aform of bar code, however, this is not a bar code of the type that istypically seen today (many bars of various widths identifying each itemin great detail) but rather a single bar for each document image. Thestandards define that this single bar could be any one of three widths.Each width indicates something about the document. For example, thewidest is typically the start of a batch, the middle width typicallyindicates the start of a file, whereas the narrowest width indicates apage within a batch or file. Rolls of IM'ed film may contain only onewidth of IMs, other rolls may contain two widths of IMs, and some maycontain IMs of all three widths.

Known microform imaging apparatus have used two basic methods to readthese IMs. One method is to put dedicated optical sensors in the filmpath, whereby the IMs are read directly off the film using only thedesignated sensor. The other method is to put dedicated optical sensorsat the viewing screen to read the IMs projected onto that screen. Herestill, the dedicated sensor only reads the IM that is projected on thescreen. If the film is not held in the correct position in the filmpath, these sensors can miss the IM altogether, thereby providinginaccurate results.

What is needed in the art is improved systems and methods that can sensean IM on the microform containing the image of a document.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention provides systems and methods for sensing an imagemark on the microform containing the image of a document.

In some embodiments, a system and method for sensing an image mark on amicroform using a digital microform imaging apparatus is provided, theapparatus having an area sensor, the system and method comprise sensingat least one image mark on the microform using the area sensor; andsensing an image on the microform using the area sensor.

In some embodiments, a method can include defining an image mark regionof interest within the area sensor; and sensing the least one image markon the microform using the image mark region of interest.

In some embodiments, the area sensor includes a pixel array having apredefined number of pixels, the image mark region of interest having apredefined number of pixels less than the predefined number of pixels ofthe pixel array.

In some embodiments, the image mark is a single mark for a single imageon the microform.

In some embodiments, the image mark is a single mark for two images onthe microform.

In some embodiments, sensing the at least one image mark furtherincludes measuring a width of the at least one image mark.

In some embodiments, the at least one image mark has one of only threepredefined widths.

In some embodiments, a method can include determining if the at leastone image mark is at least one of a batch image mark or a file imagemark or a page image mark or an image management code.

In some embodiments, a method can include placing the area sensor into adecimation mode to read less than a maximum number of pixels availableon the area sensor.

In some embodiments, a method can include positioning the image markregion of interest on the area sensor to sense the at least one imagemark.

In some embodiments, a method can include increasing the gain of thearea sensor.

In some embodiments, a method can include, after sensing the image onthe microform, displaying the image on a screen of the digital microformimaging apparatus.

In some embodiments, the microform is roll film or cartridge film.

In some embodiments, wherein the microform is duplex mode microfilm, theduplex mode microfilm including a left image and a right imageassociated with each image mark, and further including selecting one ofthe left image and the right image for saving as an electronic file.

In some embodiments, a film guide assembly for retaining a microformmedia on a digital microform imaging apparatus can include a frame; anoutside roller assembly supported by the frame; a middle roller assemblysupported by the frame; and an inside roller assembly supported by theframe; the outside, middle, and inside roller assemblies forming a filmtransport path.

In some embodiments, at least two of the outside, middle, and insideroller assemblies form a film slot to load the microform media into thefilm guide assembly.

In some embodiments, the frame includes a mounting flange to mount thefilm guide assembly to the digital microform imaging apparatus.

In some embodiments, at least one of the outside, middle, and insideroller assemblies include a user repositionable guiding flange.

In some embodiments, at least one of the outside, middle, and insideroller assemblies include a bearing retention sleeve.

In some embodiments, at least one bearing positioned in the bearingretention sleeve.

In some embodiments, at least one of the outside, middle, and insideroller assemblies include an axle, the axle including threads to threadthe axle to the frame.

In some embodiments, the axle further includes a retention member tomaintain a position of the axle within the frame.

In some embodiments, a media support lock assembly for retaining amicroform media support on a digital microform imaging apparatusincludes a body; an adjuster threadably positioned within the body; anda magnet coupled to one end of the adjuster.

In some embodiments, the body includes a yoke for coupling to a rod ofthe microform media support.

In some embodiments, a media support lock assembly for retaining amicroform media support on a digital microform imaging apparatusincludes a body to couple to a shaft of the microform media support; andan adjustable magnet coupled to the body.

In some embodiments, a digital microform imaging apparatus includes anarea sensor; a film guide assembly for retaining the microform on a filmpath, the film path including an optical path; a microform support forretaining the microform on the film path; and a media support lockassembly for retaining the microform media support in a predefinedposition on the digital microform imaging apparatus.

In some embodiments, the film guide assembly further includes a frame;an outside roller assembly supported by the frame; a middle rollerassembly supported by the frame; and an inside roller assembly supportedby the frame; the outside, middle, and inside roller assemblies forminga film transport path.

In some embodiments, the media support lock assembly further includes abody; an adjuster threadably positioned within the body; and a magnetcoupled to one end of the adjuster.

In some embodiments, the area sensor includes an image mark region ofinterest, the area sensor to sense at least one image mark on themicroform using the image mark region of interest, and to sense an imageon the microform.

These and other benefits may become clearer upon making a thoroughreview and study of the following detailed description. Further, whilethe embodiments discussed above can be listed as individual embodiments,it is to be understood that the above embodiments, including allelements contained therein, can be combined in whole or in part.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The above-mentioned and other features and advantages of this invention,and the manner of attaining them, will become more apparent and theinvention will be better understood by reference to the followingdescription of embodiments of the invention taken in conjunction withthe accompanying drawings, wherein:

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an embodiment of a digital microformimaging system according to the present invention;

FIG. 2A is an fragmentary, exploded perspective view of the digitalmicroform imaging apparatus used with the system of FIG. 1;

FIG. 2B is an exploded, fragmentary, perspective view of the digitalmicroform imaging apparatus of FIG. 2A, illustrating particularly theX-Y table mobility;

FIG. 3 is a top view of the digital microform imaging apparatus of FIG.2A;

FIG. 4 is a schematic view of the digital microform imaging system ofFIG. 1;

FIG. 5 is a screen shot of an embodiment of a computer user interface ofthe digital microform imaging system of FIG. 1, including image data;

FIG. 6 is a screen shot similar to FIG. 5, but also including a setupdialog box;

FIG. 7 is a screen shot similar to FIG. 5, but also including a digitalmagnifier window;

FIG. 8 is an example of an embodiment of a user interface usable withthe present invention;

FIG. 9 is a schematic view of a general computing environment includingthe digital microform imaging system and computer of FIG. 1;

FIG. 10 is a perspective view of another embodiment of a digitalmicroform imaging apparatus according to the present invention,particularly illustrating a motorized roll film microform media support;

FIG. 11 is a perspective view of another embodiment of a digitalmicroform imaging apparatus according to the present invention,particularly illustrating a hand operated roll film microform mediasupport;

FIG. 12 is a perspective view of another embodiment of a digitalmicroform imaging apparatus according to the present invention,particularly illustrating a film guide assembly;

FIG. 13 is a partial close-up of an embodiment of a film guide assemblyas shown in FIG. 12;

FIG. 14 is a perspective view of a film guide assembly according to anembodiment of the invention;

FIG. 15 is an exploded view of a roller bearing assembly usable with thefilm guide assembly of FIG. 14, according to an embodiment of theinvention;

FIG. 16 is a close-up perspective view of an embodiment of a bearingretentive sleeve according to an embodiment of the invention;

FIGS. 17-20 are various views of a carrier lock assembly according toembodiments of the invention;

FIG. 21 is a schematic of an area sensor usable with the presentinvention;

FIG. 22 is a schematic of the area sensor of FIG. 21, and including anIM ROI according to embodiments of the invention;

FIGS. 22-27 show various arrangements if IMs on roll film; and

FIGS. 28-31 are screen shots of embodiments of a computer user interfaceof the digital microform imaging system of FIG. 12 according toembodiments of the invention.

Corresponding reference characters indicate corresponding partsthroughout the several views. The exemplifications set out hereinillustrate embodiments of the invention, and such exemplifications arenot to be construed as limiting the scope of the invention in anymanner.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE EMBODIMENTS

Before any embodiments of the invention are explained in detail, it isto be understood that the invention is not limited in its application tothe details of construction and the arrangement of components set forthin the following description or illustrated in the following drawings.The invention is capable of other embodiments and of being practiced orof being carried out in various ways. Also, it is to be understood thatthe use the phraseology and terminology used herein is for the purposeof description and should not be regarded as limiting. Furthermore, theuse of “right”, “left”, “front”, “back”, “upper”, “lower”, “above”,“below”, “top”, or “bottom” and variations thereof herein is for thepurpose of description and should not be regarded as limiting. The useof “including,” “comprising,” or “having” and variations thereof hereinis meant to encompass the items listed thereafter and equivalentsthereof as well as additional items. Unless specified or limitedotherwise, the terms “mounted,” “connected,” “supported,” and “coupled”and variations thereof are used broadly and encompass both direct andindirect mountings, connections, supports, and couplings. Further,“connected” and “coupled” are not restricted to physical or mechanicalconnections or couplings.

The following discussion is presented to enable a person skilled in theart to make and use embodiments of the invention. Various modificationsto the illustrated embodiments will be readily apparent to those skilledin the art, and the generic principles herein can be applied to otherembodiments and applications without departing from embodiments of theinvention. Thus, embodiments of the invention are not intended to belimited to embodiments shown, but are to be accorded the widest scopeconsistent with the principles and features disclosed herein. Thefollowing detailed description is to be read with reference to thefigures, in which like elements in different figures have like referencenumerals. The figures, which are not necessarily to scale, depictselected embodiments and are not intended to limit the scope ofembodiments of the invention. Skilled artisans will recognize theexamples provided herein have many useful alternatives and fall withinthe scope of embodiments of the invention.

Referring now to the drawings, and more particularly to FIG. 1, there isshown a digital microform imaging system 20 which generally includesdigital microform imaging apparatus (DMIA) 22 connected to a computer602. Computer 602 can include one or more displays 642, and user inputdevices such as a keyboard 634 and mouse 636. DMIA 22 and computer 602can be placed on a work surface 32 of a desk, or other work surfaces,for convenient access and ease of use. DMIA 22 can be electricallyconnected to computer 602 via cable 34, which may provide communicationusing a FireWire IEEE 1394 standard, for example. Although cable 34 isdescribed as an electrical type cable, alternatively DMIA 22 andcomputer 602 can communicate via fiber optics, or wirelessly throughinfrared or radio frequencies, for example. Other details of computer602 and the general computing environment are discussed in more detailbelow and shown in FIG. 9. DMIA 22 is described in U.S. Pat. No.8,269,890, titled “DIGITAL MICROFORM IMAGING APPARATUS”, filed May 15,2007, which application is incorporated by reference as if fully setforth herein.

Referring more particularly to FIGS. 2A-4, DMIA 22 includes anapproximately monochromatic illumination source 36, such as a lightemitting diode (LED) array or other monochromatic illumination source,transmitting an incident light 38 through a diffuse window 40 along afirst optical axis 42 of apparatus 22. Light emitting diode (LED) array36 can be an approximately 13 x 9 array of individual LEDs operating inthe 495-505 nm wavelength region, although array 36 is not limited tosuch parameters. The relatively monochromatic nature of source 36 helpsreduce chromatic aberration in DMIA 22, thereby improving the opticalresolution of the images produced. Diffuse window 40 can be a frostedglass which diffuses the light emanating from array 36, thereby creatinga more uniform illumination source. DMIA 22 can include cover 43 to helpprotect the inner elements of DMIA 22.

A microform media support 44 is configured to support a microform media46 after diffuse window 40 and along first optical axis 42. In theembodiment shown support 44 is an X-Y table, that is, support 44 ismovable in a plane which is approximately orthogonal to first opticalaxis 42. Referring particularly to FIGS. 2A and 2B, microform mediasupport 44 includes frame 48 which supports first window 50 on one sideof microform media 46, and second window 52 on the other side ofmicroform media 46. Second window 52 hinges upward at 54 when frame 48is moved forward to the extent that lever 56 (connected to second window52) contacts ramps 58 (one ramp on either side), and similarly, hingesdownward at 54 when frame 48 is moved rearward as lever 56 is releasedfrom contact with ramp 58. In this way the microform media 46, shown asa microfiche film with an array of images or microform segments 60, canbe placed and held securely between windows 50, 52 for viewing. Frame48, along with windows 50, 52 and media 46, are slidingly supported onrods 62 by bearings (not shown) to allow a transverse movement 63 offrame 48, windows 50, 52 and media 46. Rods 62 are connected to brackets64, which brackets are slidingly supported by chassis 66 and bearings(not shown) to allow a longitudinal movement 68 of frame 48, windows 50,52, media 46 and rods 62.

Referring to FIGS. 3 and 4, an approximately 45 degree fold mirror 70reflects the incident light transmitted through microform media 46approximately 90 degree along a second optical axis 72. First opticalaxis 42 and second optical axis 72 can be thought of as segments of thesingle or main optical axis. Mirror 70 is connected by a three pointmount to mirror mount 78 by fasteners and springs. Mirror mount 78 isconnected to chassis 66 as shown. Fold mirror 70 advantageously shortensthe overall longitudinal length of the optical axis which allows DMIA 22to be more compact.

An imaging subsystem 84 includes a first lead screw 86 and a second leadscrew 88 where each lead screw is approximately parallel with secondoptical axis 72. A lens 90 is connected to a first carriage 92 which islinearly adjustable by rotating first lead screw 86. Lens 90 includesstop 94 and f-stop adjustment 96 which can adjust the aperture of stop94. Lens 90 can have a fixed focal length of 50 mm, for example. Thisfocal length has the advantage of a relatively large depth of focus. Arough formula used to quickly calculate depth of focus is the product ofthe focal length times the f-stop divided by 1000, which yields a depthof focus of 0.55 mm for a 50 mm focal length and f11 f-stop adjustment.An optical sensor, i.e., area sensor 97 is connected to a secondcarriage 98 which carriage is linearly adjustable by rotating secondlead screw 88. Area sensor 97 can be an area array CCD sensor with a twodimensional array of sensor elements or pixels, for example, with a 3.5μm² pixel size, or other types of sensors and pixel sizes depending onresolution size requirements. The area array nature of sensor 97, whencompared to a line sensor, eliminates the need for scanning of thesensor when viewing two dimensional images. The overall novel opticallayout of the present invention including the separately adjustable areasensor 97 and lens 90; 45 degree fold mirror 70; and film table 44location; algorithms for moving the lens and sensor to appropriaterespective locations to achieve proper magnification and focus of theimage; and the lens focal length and relatively large depth of focus,allows DMIA 22 to autofocus without the need for iterative measurementsand refocusing of the lens 90 during magnification changes toaccommodate different reduction ratios of different film media. Further,the embodiments can easily accommodate reduction ratios in the range of7× to 54×, although the present invention is not limited to such arange.

A first motor 100 is rotationally coupled to first lead screw 86 by atiming pulley 120, a belt 122 with teeth, and another timing pulley 124and a second motor 108 is rotationally coupled to second lead screw 88by a timing pulley, a belt with teeth, and another timing pulley,similar to timing pulley 120, belt 122 with teeth, and timing pulley124, respectively. A controller 116 is electrically connected to firstmotor 100, second motor 108 and area sensor 97, where controller 116 isfor receiving commands and other inputs from computer 24 or other inputdevices, controlling first motor 100 and second motor 108, and otherelements of DMIA 22, and for outputting an image data of area sensor 97.Consequently, controller 116 can include one or more circuit boardswhich have a microprocessor, field programmable gate array, applicationspecific integrated circuit or other programmable devices; motorcontrols; a receiver; a transmitter; connectors; wire interconnectionsincluding ribbon wire and wiring harnesses; a power supply; and otherelectrical components. Controller 116 also provides electrical energyand lighting controls for LED array 36.

A third motor 118 is rotationally coupled to area sensor 97, wherecontroller 116 additionally controls third motor 118 through electricalconnections as with motors 100 and 108. For example, controller 116 canrotate area sensor 97, using motor 118, timing pulley 120, belt 122 withteeth, and timing pulley 124, to match an aspect ratio of microformmedia 46, and particularly an aspect ratio of images 60. A light baffle126 can be connected to area sensor 97 to reduce stray light incident onsensor 97 and thereby further improve the resolution and signal to noiseof DMIA 22. Light baffle 126 can have an antireflective coating at thefront and inside surfaces of the baffle to further reduce stray lightincident on sensor 97. Motors 100, 108 and 118 can be DC servomotors, orother motors.

Referring to FIG. 5, computer 602 includes a software computer userinterface (CUI) 156 displayed by monitor 642 with user inputs to controlDMIA 22 in general, and particularly, illumination system 36, motors100, 108 and 118, and other elements of DMIA 22. CUI 156 can be in theform of at least one instruction executed by the at least one processor604, where the instructions of CUI 156 are stored on computer-readablestorage medium such as any number of program modules stored on hard disk616, magnetic disk 620, optical disk 624, ROM 612, and/or RAM 610, orother computer-readable storage medium. CUI 156 generally includes adisplay area 157 and a toolbar 159 with user selectable controls asfollows. Toolbar 159 or other dialog boxes can include various softwareuser input buttons, including but not limited to: positive/negative filmtype 158; landscape/portrait film orientation 160; rotate optical 162for rotating third motor 118; optical zoom 164 which controls firstmotor 100 and second motor 108; digital image rotation 166; mirror image168 for adjusting for when media 46 is placed on support 44 upside down;brightness 170 which adjusts the speed of sensor 97; contrast 172; focus174 with manual focus (−/+) and autofocus (AF), also controlling firstmotor 100; digital magnifier 176; live button 178; scan type/selectinggrayscale, grayscale enhanced, halftone 180; resolution/image capture182; scan size button for prints/fit to page 184; save image scan tocomputer drive #1 186; save image scan to computer drive #2 188; saveimage scan to computer drive #3 190; save image scan to email 192; printimage 194; restore settings 196; save settings 198; setup/tools 200; andmotorized roll film controls 202 for embodiments with motorized rollfilm attachments. These controls of toolbar 159 can be selected by auser with a left click of mouse 636. Other toolbar or dialog box inputselections are contemplated.

FIG. 6 illustrates the configurable nature of CUI 156, and moreparticularly toolbar 159. Selecting setup/tools 200 opens dialog box224. Toolbar controls and other parameters are added, deleted and/orchanged as shown by dialog box 224.

FIG. 7 illustrates a particularly advantageous aspect of CUI 156. Byselecting the optical zoom 164, a user can select the magnification ofimage data 204 derived from microform segment 60. However, it isgenerally advantageous to select this optical magnification such thatimage data 204 includes all of the data of a particular microformsegment 60, so that a user knows, at least in general, what elements ordata are on this segment, and for subsequent printing, storing oremailing of the segment 60. However, depending on the size of monitor642, the quality of the originally scanned record, the reproductionquality of microform media 46 and segment 60, and the resolutioncapabilities of DMIA 22, image data 204 may not be readable, or easilyreadable, by a typical user.

By selecting the magnifier glass portion of digital magnifier 176, CUI156 creates magnifier window 226. An indicator box 228 identifies whichsubsegment 230 of image data 204 is being illustrated in magnifierwindow 226. By clicking on indicator box 228 and dragging it aroundimage data 204 a user can pan around image data 204, with the subsegmentdata of new locations being shown in magnifier window 226. However, thedata within indicator box 228 itself is not magnified, and indicator box228 itself does not provide the functionality to expand indicator box228. Instead, selecting the arrow portion of digital magnifier 176selects the digital magnification of the subsegment 230 of image data204 within magnifier window 226, and magnifier window 226 can beexpanded transversely, longitudinally and diagonally by placing thecursor on one of the sides, or a corner, and mouse clicking and draggingto expand magnifier window 226, as is typical in windows of Windows®operating system. Scroll bars 232, 234 of magnifier window 226 can beused to scroll within window 226. Although indicator box 228 moves andexpands with magnifier window 226, the data within indicator box 228 isnot digitally magnified, in contrast with the data within magnifierwindow 226.

A programmer with ordinary skill in the art in Windows® operating systemincluding callable subroutines, or other operating systems and theircallable subroutines, and C++ or Visual Basic programming language cancreate the CUI 156 as shown in FIGS. 5-7 and defined above.

Area sensors that support decimation are also contemplated for use. Areasensors that support decimation can read out every other, every third,fourth, fifth, or sixth pixel, as non-limiting examples. Reading fewerpixels reduces resolution, however it also speeds up refresh rate.Refresh rates while in the landscape mode may be reduced. Further, someare sensors allow for the selection of switching the entire sensor fromcolor to grayscale to black and white. It is also to be appreciated thatarea sensors that can support multiple modes simultaneously are alsocontemplated for use in the same or similar ways as described above forboth color and monochrome sensors.

FIG. 8 illustrates an example of another embodiment of a user interface725 for use with embodiments of the invention. The user interface 725can contain a home screen 726 having a variety of buttons used tocontrol features of the imaging system 20. As non-limiting examples,control buttons can include previous and next buttons 727, a linestraighten button 728, a spot EDIT button 730, a word search button 734,an INFO Link button 736, a copy to clipboard button 738, brightnessbuttons 740, contrast buttons 742, mode buttons 751, manualstraightening buttons 744, and a help button 746. The previous and nextbuttons 727 allow the user to move between images.

The spot EDIT button 730 can have four sub-buttons: a pencil tool button747, a white redact tool button 748, a black redact tool button 749, anda cancel zone button 750. The pencil tool button 747 can allow the userto draw the perimeter of a zone 769. Zones can be rectangular orirregular in shape and can be marked with borders. For example, when theuser is finished drawing the perimeter of a zone, the perimeter of thezone 769 may become a magenta border to indicate that the zone isactive. The active zone, the selected one for setting the mode (color,grayscale, and black and white), brightness, and contrast, may be markedwith a bold border. A zone may be made active by moving a mouse cursorsomewhere inside the border and left clicking. In some embodiments, whena zone is made active, the brightness 740, contrast 742, and mode 751buttons can be highlighted to indicate that they are active. The modeand the brightness and contrast of each zone can be adjustedindependently. The mode buttons 751 can be used to adjust the mode ofthe active zone between different types of modes including color,grayscale, and black and white, as non-limiting examples. The zonescreated by the user also may be automatically defined by processing unit604, which may be designed to read the composition of the document, asstated above. The white redact tool button 748 allows the user to makethe entire active zone white. The black redact tool button 749 allowsthe user to make the entire active zone black. The redact tools may beused for security purposes on images that have sensitive information.The user also may just want to remove some of the information because ofpersonal preference. The cancel zone button 750 allows the user tocancel the active zone or, if the cancel zone button 750 is doubleclicked, cancel all zones. The dashed line identifies a crop box 768.The crop box 768 can define the area to be printed, scanned, or emailed,as non-limiting examples. It is to be appreciated that the multi-modeimage can be printed directly, without saving to a file, and retains thesame beneficial characteristics of smaller file sizes, preserved imagedetail, and when selected, the preferred black text on a whitebackground appearance. The user interface 725 can also contain an outputscreen 752 and a setup screen 753.

The word search button 734 allows the user to search for words in theimage, and in some embodiments, without the text having been OCR'd. TheINFO Link button 736 allows the user to search for selected words in aninternet search engine or other information source. The copy toclipboard button 738 allows the user to copy the image to clipboard forlater use by the user. The brightness buttons 740 allow the user tochange the brightness of the active zone to the desired level. Thecontrast buttons 742 allow the user to change the contrast of the activezone to the desired level. The help button 746 brings up a screen toassist the user with various anticipated problems the user might havewith the program.

The user interface 725 can also contain a motorized roll film control754 designed for use with microfilm. The motorized film control 754contains a rewind button 756, a high speed reverse button 758, a fastreverse button 760, a fast forward button 762, a high speed forwardbutton 764, and a lock button 766. The rewind button 756, high speedreverse button 758, fast reverse button 760, fast forward button 762,and a high speed forward button 764 allow the user to go back and forthon a roll of film at whatever speed is desired by the user. The lockbutton 766 allows the speed of the film to be held at a consistent slowspeed.

FIG. 9 illustrates a general computer environment 600, which can be usedto implement the techniques according to the present invention asdescribed above. The computer environment 600 is only one example of acomputing environment and is not intended to suggest any limitation asto the scope of use or functionality of the computer and networkarchitectures. Neither should the computer environment 600 beinterpreted as having any dependency or requirement relating to any oneor combination of components illustrated in the example computerenvironment 600.

Computer environment 600 can include a general-purpose computing devicein the form of a computer 602. The components of computer 602 caninclude, but are not limited to, one or more processors or processingunits 604, system memory 606, and system bus 608 that couples varioussystem components including processor 604 to system memory 606.

System bus 608 represents one or more of any of several types of busstructures, including a memory bus or memory controller, a peripheralbus, an accelerated graphics port, and a processor or local bus usingany of a variety of bus architectures. By way of example, sucharchitectures can include an Industry Standard Architecture (ISA) bus, aMicro Channel Architecture (MCA) bus, an Enhanced ISA (EISA) bus, aVideo Electronics Standards Association (VESA) local bus, a PeripheralComponent Interconnects (PCI) bus also known as a Mezzanine bus, a PCIExpress bus, a Universal Serial Bus (USB), a Secure Digital (SD) bus, oran IEEE 1394, i.e., FireWire, bus.

Computer 602 may include a variety of computer readable media. Suchmedia can be any available media that is accessible by computer 602 andincludes both volatile and non-volatile media, removable andnon-removable media.

System memory 606 can include computer readable media in the form ofvolatile memory, such as random access memory (RAM) 610, and/ornon-volatile memory, such as read only memory (ROM) 612 or flash RAM.Basic input/output system (BIOS) 614, containing the basic routines thathelp to transfer information between elements within computer 602, suchas during start-up, is stored in ROM 612 or flash RAM. RAM 610 typicallycontains data and/or program modules that are immediately accessible toand/or presently operated on by processing unit 604.

Computer 602 may also include other removable/non-removable,volatile/non-volatile computer storage media. By way of example, FIG. 9illustrates hard disk drive 616 for reading from and writing to anon-removable, non-volatile magnetic media (not shown), magnetic diskdrive 618 for reading from and writing to removable, non-volatilemagnetic disk 620 (e.g., a “floppy disk”), and optical disk drive 622for reading from and/or writing to a removable, non-volatile opticaldisk 624 such as a CD-ROM, DVD-ROM, or other optical media. Hard diskdrive 616, magnetic disk drive 618, and optical disk drive 622 are eachconnected to system bus 608 by one or more data media interfaces 625.Alternatively, hard disk drive 616, magnetic disk drive 618, and opticaldisk drive 622 can be connected to the system bus 608 by one or moreinterfaces (not shown).

The disk drives and their associated computer-readable media providenon-volatile storage of computer readable instructions, data structures,program modules, and other data for computer 602. Although the exampleillustrates a hard disk 616, removable magnetic disk 620, and removableoptical disk 624, it is appreciated that other types of computerreadable media which can store data that is accessible by a computer,such as magnetic cassettes or other magnetic storage devices, flashmemory cards, CD-ROM, digital versatile disks (DVD) or other opticalstorage, random access memories (RAM), read only memories (ROM),electrically erasable programmable read-only memory (EEPROM), and thelike, can also be utilized to implement the example computing system andenvironment.

Any number of program modules can be stored on hard disk 616, magneticdisk 620, optical disk 624, ROM 612, and/or RAM 610, including by way ofexample, operating system 626, one or more application programs 628,other program modules 630, and program data 632. Each of such operatingsystem 626, one or more application programs 628, other program modules630, and program data 632 (or some combination thereof) may implementall or part of the resident components that support the distributed filesystem.

One example of an application program 628 is an OCR engine. The OCRengine may be a commercially available program. One such OCR engine isnamed ABBYY FineReader and is available from ABBYY USA, Inc.

A user can enter commands and information into computer 602 via inputdevices such as keyboard 634 and a pointing device 636 (e.g., a“mouse”). Other input devices 638 (not shown specifically) may include amicrophone, joystick, game pad, satellite dish, serial port, scanner,and/or the like. These and other input devices are connected toprocessing unit 604 via input/output interfaces 640 that are coupled tosystem bus 608, but may be connected by other interface and busstructures, such as a parallel port, game port, or a universal serialbus (USB).

Monitor 642 or other type of display device can also be connected to thesystem bus 608 via an interface, such as video adapter 644. In additionto monitor 642, other output peripheral devices can include componentssuch as speakers (not shown) and printer 646 which can be connected tocomputer 602 via I/O interfaces 640. In addition, monitor 642 maycomprise a touch screen so as to allow the user to provide input to theprocessing unit 604 by simply touching the screen.

Computer 602 can operate in a networked environment using logicalconnections to one or more remote computers, such as remote computingdevice 648. By way of example, remote computing device 648 can be a PC,portable computer, a server, a router, a network computer, a peer deviceor other common network node, and the like. Remote computing device 648is illustrated as a portable computer that can include many or all ofthe elements and features described herein relative to computer 602.Alternatively, computer 602 can operate in a non-networked environmentas well.

Logical connections between computer 602 and remote computer 648 aredepicted as a local area network (LAN) 650 and a general wide areanetwork (WAN) 652. Such networking environments are commonplace inoffices, enterprise-wide computer networks, intranets, and the Internet.

When implemented in a LAN networking environment, computer 602 isconnected to local network 650 via network interface or adapter 654.When implemented in a WAN networking environment, computer 602 typicallyincludes modem 656 or other means for establishing communications overwide network 652. Modem 656, which can be internal or external tocomputer 602, can be connected to system bus 608 via I/O interfaces 640or other appropriate mechanisms. It is to be appreciated that theillustrated network connections are examples and that other means ofestablishing at least one communication link between computers 602 and648 can be employed.

In a networked environment, such as that illustrated with computingenvironment 600, program modules depicted relative to computer 602, orportions thereof, may be stored in a remote memory storage device. Byway of example, remote application programs 658 reside on a memorydevice of remote computer 648. For purposes of illustration,applications or programs and other executable program components such asthe operating system are illustrated herein as discrete blocks, althoughit is recognized that such programs and components reside at varioustimes in different storage components of computing device 602, and areexecuted by at least one data processor of the computer.

Various modules and techniques may be described herein in the generalcontext of computer-executable instructions, such as program modules,executed by one or more computers or other devices. Generally, programmodules include routines, programs, objects, components, datastructures, etc. for performing particular tasks or implement particularabstract data types. Typically, the functionality of the program modulesmay be combined or distributed as desired in various embodiments.

An implementation of these modules and techniques may be stored on ortransmitted across some form of computer readable media. Computerreadable media can be any available media that can be accessed by acomputer. By way of example, and not limitation, computer readable mediamay comprise “computer storage media” and “communications media.”

“Computer storage media” includes volatile and non-volatile, removableand non-removable media implemented in any method or technology forstorage of information such as computer readable instructions, datastructures, program modules, or other data. Computer storage mediaincludes, but is not limited to, RAM, ROM, EEPROM, flash memory or othermemory technology, CD-ROM, digital versatile disks (DVD) or otheroptical storage, magnetic cassettes, magnetic tape, magnetic diskstorage or other magnetic storage devices, or any other medium which canbe used to store the desired information and which can be accessed by acomputer.

“Communication media” typically embodies computer readable instructions,data structures, program modules, or other data in a modulated datasignal, such as carrier wave or other transport mechanism. Communicationmedia also includes any information delivery media. The term “modulateddata signal” means a signal that has one or more of its characteristicsset or changed in such a manner as to encode information in the signal.As a non-limiting example only, communication media includes wired mediasuch as a wired network or direct-wired connection, and wireless mediasuch as acoustic, RF, infrared, and other wireless media. Combinationsof any of the above are also included within the scope of computerreadable media.

The present invention is not limited by the DMIA 22 shown as there areother DMIAs, or microfilm or micro opaque readers, scanners, etc., whichare available which can be used in conjunction with a computer and theCUI of the present invention. Further, the present invention is notlimited by a separate DMIA 22 and computer 602. For example, computer602 can be integrated into DMIA 22, or can be part of controller 116.Yet further, monitor 642 can be a part of DMIA 22, or one of thesevariation, instead of a separate device.

Media 46 can include any microform image formats such asmicrofilm/microfiche, aperture cards, jackets, 16 mm or 35 mm film rollfilm, cartridge film and other micro opaques. Micro opaques aredifferent than transparent film. Images are recorded on an opaquemedium. To view these micro images one needs to use reflected light. Thepresent invention can use LED arrays 37 (FIG. 2A) for use with microopaques, which can be the same, or similar to, the monochromatic LED'sthat are used in illumination source 36. In the embodiment of FIG. 10,DMIA 206 includes a microform media support in the form of motorizedroll film attachment with supply side 208 and take up side 210 and filmguides 212, in addition to X-Y table 44. In the embodiment of FIG. 11,DMIA 214 includes a microform media support in the form of hand operatedroll film attachment with supply side 216 and take up side 218 withcranks 220, and film guides 222, in addition to X-Y table 44. In otherways, DMIAs 206 and 214 are similar to or the same as DMIA 22.Therefore, the microform media support structure according to thepresent invention is at least one of a X-Y table, a motorized roll filmcarrier, and a hand operated roll film carrier, and a cartridge filmcarrier.

In some embodiments, any of the DMIAs 22, 206, 214, 236 (see FIGS. 1,10, 11, and 12) can be used for sensing an IM on the microformcontaining the image of a document. Embodiments provide designs thatreduce costs and yet provide all the benefits of the existing equipment.To accomplish this, embodiments read and measure the various sized IMsusing the capabilities of the area sensor 97 used for document imaginginstead of requiring an additional dedicated sensor to read the IMs. Asa non-limiting example, the area sensor can be a 6.6 MP (Megapixels)area sensor. At full resolution, the image refresh rate is approximately6 fps (frames per second). There are generally two factors that canlimit the frame rate. If illumination is unlimited, then the primarylimit on frame rate is a frame readout time (i.e., the speed of theelectronics that clock out the information from the sensor). If theillumination is not unlimited, there can be instances when the exposuretime is greater than the frame readout time. When this happens, theframe rate is limited by the exposure time. For some applications, itwas calculated to require approximately 1000 fps to read IMs as theymove across the area sensor 97 at fast film transport speeds. As anon-limiting example, fast transport speeds can be in the range of threeto five feet per second, although transport speeds can be lower thanthree feet per second, and can be higher than five feet per second. Thearea sensor 97 can include several features that can be utilized toincrease the frame rate. These features include, but are not limited to,“decimation”, defining a smaller IM (Region of Interest) ROI usableduring the IM sensing process, and gain control. Additionally, even ifdecimation is set to the highest and the IM ROI is set to the smallest,if there is not enough illumination, speeds of 1000 fps may still not bereached. By increasing the gain, the area sensor 97 can become faster(more sensitive to light) allowing speeds of 1000 fps or more to beachieved without changing a source of illumination. It is to beappreciated that the above is an example only, and that other speeds mayapply.

Once the desired document is reached, all or any of a predefinedquantity of the pixels in a pixel array 99 of the area sensor 97 (seeFIGS. 21 and 22) can then sense the document image and display thedocument on the screen. FIG. 21 shows the area sensor 97 including thepixel array 99. As seen in FIG. 22, a subsection of the pixel array 99can be defined as an IM ROI 412 and that can be used during the IMsensing process to increase the frame rate of the area sensor 97, withthe remaining portion 414 of the pixel array not being used during theIM sensing process. In some embodiments, more than one IM ROI 412 can bedefined within the pixel array 99.

As described above, the DMIAs can be designed to accommodate all formsof microfilm. To accomplish this, the microform media support 44 can bemovable along the X and Z axes. This media support movement, necessaryfor other forms of microfilm, creates a challenge when reading IMs. IMsare generally always located in the same position on the roll of filmand therefore when reading these IMs, the media support 44 is desirablylocated and generally fixed in the same position each time a roll offilm is loaded.

For IM sensing to work reliably, it is important that the film bepositioned in the optical path where an image of the film can beprojected onto the area sensor 97 (see FIG. 4 for example) so that theIM appears in precisely the same location on the image sensor 97 atsubstantially all times. This includes each time a new roll of film isloaded and throughout the transporting of the film through the opticalpath.

FIG. 12 is a perspective view of another embodiment of a digitalmicroform imaging apparatus 236 according to the present invention,particularly illustrating a motorized roll film microform media support238.

Referring to FIGS. 12 and 13, an embodiment of a first film guideassembly 302 is shown. The first film guide assembly 302 is shownpositioned to the right of the optical film plane 304. A second filmguide assembly 302 can be positioned to the left of the optical filmplane 304. The second film guide assembly 302 can be a mirror image ofthe first film guide assembly 302, although not required. Each of thefilm guide assemblies 302 can have a mounting flange 248 (see also FIG.14), which can be coupled to any of the DMIAs 22, 206, 214, 236 (seeFIGS. 1, 10, 11, and 12).

Referring to FIGS. 14 and 15, one element useful to achieve this filmpositional accuracy is the film guide assembly 302. In some embodiments,the film guide assemblies 302 can include an inside roller 254, a middleroller 256, and an outside roller 258. In some embodiments, ballbearings 246, 250 can be included on some or all rollers 254, 256, 258to better control the position of the film 404 as it moves in theoptical path through the glass plates 260 that define the film plane304.

It has been observed that known film guide designs allowed the film towander as it moved through known glass flats of the known film plane. Itwas identified that this wandering was caused by several factors. Thefirst and most obvious is guide roller end play. The second is thatknown film guides have only two rollers, one roller that has flanges torestrict film movement along the roller axis, while the other roller didnot. With one roller only having guiding flanges, this creates a pivotmore easily allowing forces influencing the film to skew the film whilebeing transported through the known film plane. One such force is causedby misalignment of the known supply and take-up film spools with respectto the known film guides. This misalignment typically results in thefilm being skewed in one direction when moving the film forward andskewing the film in the opposite direction when moving the film inreverse. Another influencing factor is static buildup on the film glassplates. This static build up typically causes the film to adhere to theglass creating varying degrees of friction across the width of the filmresulting in it pulling the film in one direction or the other. In someembodiments, a conductive coating (not shown) on the glass plates 260may be included to reduce or eliminate static build up.

In some embodiments, a portion of film 404 can be loaded into the filmguide assembly 302 through a film slot 251. On the bottom side of thefilm slot 251, there can be a film guide shelf 252, which can aid in theloading of the film 404. Also, at least one of the inside, middle, andoutside rollers 254, 256, 258 can have a chamfer 253, which can aid inthe loading of the film 404 as well. The middle roller 256 is shown toinclude the chamfer 253.

In some embodiments, end play can be substantially reduced by using theball bearings 246, 250. In some embodiments, the ball bearings can bepress fit or otherwise secured into or onto one or both ends of any orall of the inside, middle, and outside rollers 254, 256, 258. In someembodiments, an “O” ring 240 can be installed onto an end, e.g., theback end of an axle 242 (see FIG. 15). One end, e.g., a small end of theaxle 242 shaft can pass through a threaded hole 270 in the back side ofthe frame 274, through the roller 254 and bearings 246 and 250, and intoa front hole 278 in the frame 274. In some embodiments, rear threads 286of the axle 242 can be threaded into the threaded holes 270 of the frame274. A cylindrical nut 290 (some embodiments can include thread lockingcompound applied) can be passed through the front hole 278 in the frame274 and threaded onto front threads 288 at the small end of the axle242. This nut 290 can be lightly tightened, pressing on the inner race292 of the front bearing 246 and at the same time pressing a shoulder293 on the back end of the axle 242 against the inner race 292 of therear bearing 250. This roller bearing assembly 294 as shown in FIG. 15can substantially reduce or eliminate end play, yet still allow therollers 254, 256, 258 to spin freely. The thread locking compound, whenused, is allowed to cure before the rollers 254, 256, 258 are put intoservice.

In some embodiments, misalignment between the supply and take-up spools296, 298 can also be eliminated. The back side of one or more of thethree axles 242 (one axle for each of the inside, middle, and outsiderollers) can have a groove 300 to accept a retaining member, such as the“O” ring 240, and a slot 301. The slot 301 can accommodate a screwdriver and can be used to thread the axle 242 in or out, therebyallowing each of the rollers 254, 256, 258 to be positioned preciselywith respect to the supply and take-up spools 296, 298 and with respectto each other. The “O” ring 240 can interfere with the threaded holes270, thereby providing an axle locking mechanism. This can help toreduce the axle 242 from spinning and thereby go out of adjustment. Withthe supply spool 296, guide rollers 254, 256, 258, and take-up spool 298all in alignment, the force of driving the film in the optical path ispulling straight across the optical film plane 304, thereby reducing thetendency of the film to wander.

In some embodiments, the three roller design (e.g., inside, middle, andoutside) can further insure film position stability. The majority ofimage marked film is 16 mm. Due to its narrower width, 16 mm film ismore likely to wander than 35 mm film. For 16 mm film, one or both ofthe film guide assemblies 302 can have one or more rollers, e.g., theoutside roller 258 and the middle roller 256, with a guiding flange 266and/or a recess 268. A guiding flange, e.g., guiding flange 266 as shownon the outside roller 258, can be user positionable between a 16 mmposition and a 35 mm position. The 16 mm position can be seen in FIGS.13 and 14, for example. The middle roller 256 (or any of the outsideroller 258 or inside roller 254) can have a recess 268 with a fixedwidth to accommodate 16 mm film. 35 mm film can ride on the largerdiameter of this middle roller 256 with about half of its widthextending over the recess 268 for the 16 mm film. In some embodiments,the inside roller 254 does not have a recess or flange, and can be usedto establish the film location in the Y axis at the precise level of theoptical film plane 304. When using 16 mm film, the film that is mostlikely to wander, the outside roller 258 and the middle roller 256 witha guiding flange 266 and/or a recess 268 can substantially reduce thepivot point thereby substantially reducing the wandering.

As described above, in some embodiments, to eliminate vibration andrattle, the bearings 246, 250 can be pressed into the ends of one ormore of the rollers 254, 256, 258. Press fits in metal and plastictypically require very tight tolerances. If the interference is toogreat, the bearings 246, 250 may not spin freely. If there is not enoughinterference, the bearings 246, 250 may be loose, resulting in vibrationand rattle as well as possibly falling out during assembly or use. Toreduce the need for these tight tolerances, an exemplary 0.015 inchthick bearing retention sleeve 282 can be molded into the ends of eachroller 254 (see FIG. 16). It is to be appreciated that thicker andthinner bearing retention sleeves 282 can be used. Because the bearingretention sleeve 282 is generally thin, it can expand, so as to tolerategreater interference without affecting bearing performance and insuringit remains in place and avoids becoming loose.

Referring to FIGS. 13 and 17-20, in some embodiments, a removablemicroform media support lock assembly 310 can be used. In someembodiments, two media support lock assemblies 310 are used. The mediasupport lock assembly 310 can be used so that the only media support 44movement is along the Z axis moving from the film loading position(e.g., full out) to the IM sensing position (e.g., partially in). Themedia support lock assembly can be removed from the DMIA when freedom ofmovement of the media support 44 is desired, e.g., when the DMIA is tobe used with other microforms. As described above, the microform mediasupport 44 can be supported on two rods 62, e.g., 6 mm rods, althoughother sizes are clearly possible. A media support lock assembly 310 canbe held in place with an attachment device, such as a snap(s) 318 and/oryoke(s) 322 snapped down over the rear media support rod 62 (see FIG.13), with a magnet 326 facing toward the back of the DMIA. When themedia support 44 is pushed in, the magnet(s) 326 can contact and attachto a metal wall behind the media support 44. This magnetic force canhold the media support 44 in the IM sensing position. Other retentivefeatures are also possible, such as a clip or a snap that can releasiblymaintain the media support 44 in a desired position, e.g., against orattached to a wall or other structure. The width of the DMIA body can besuch that when one or more, e.g., two media support lock assemblies 310are installed, they can restrict movement of the media support 44 in theX axis. With media support lock assemblies installed, movement of themedia support 44 can be restricted to movement in the Z axis, from thefilm loading position to the IM sensing position.

In some embodiments, a socket 328, e.g., a hex socket is shown, of anadjuster 330 can be accessible from the front of the media support lockassembly 310 so precise adjustment can be made possible while viewing animage. Threads 338 within the media support lock assembly body 334 canbe formed by five staggered half sections 340, with three on the top andtwo on the bottom. Other arrangements are possible, such as two on topand three on the bottom, or other quantities, such as four on top andthree on the bottom, as non-limiting examples. The threads 338 of thetop center half section can be different from the threads 338 of allother half sections in various ways. In some embodiments, the toothprofile can stand higher. The additional thread height can provideinterference to hold the adjuster 330 at the adjustment point. The mediasupport lock assembly body 334 can also have a split 342 (see FIGS. 17and 19) allowing the threads 338 to flex upwards as the adjuster 330 isinstalled. Without a split 342, the adjuster may jam on the threads 338,making it difficult to assemble and adjust. Once the adjuster 330 isset, further adjustments may not be necessary, although furtheradjustments are possible.

Referring to FIGS. 23-27, IM's 400 of some film 404 appear below thedocument image space 406 in the IM channel 410 (see FIG. 23), howeversome film has IM's 400 above the image space 406 in IM channel 410 (seeFIG. 24). Some film 404 has image marks 400 both above and below theimage space 406. This is referred to a “dual channel” film (see FIG.25). FIGS. 26 and 27 show non-limiting examples of know dimensionaldetails of various forms of film utilizing IMs 400.

In some embodiments, the area sensor 97 can only support one IM channel410 at a time with one IM RIO 412 and therefore cannot read bothchannels simultaneously. In this arrangement, both IM channels can beread but the film requires two passes over the area sensor 97. In otherembodiments, the area sensor 97 can support more than one IM channel ata time, e.g., with two IM ROIs 412 and therefore can read both IMchannels 410 simultaneously. In some embodiments, the DMIA 236 can allowfor the IM ROI 412 to toggle either manually or automatically from onechannel to the other.

Referring to FIG. 28, in some embodiments, the DMIA 236 can supportlocational adjustment of the area sensor IM ROI 412, e.g., the width ofthe IM ROI 412 can be defined and adjusted. The location adjustment ofthe IM ROI 412 can be used to support the detection of IMs 400 above thedocument image as well as below the document image (see FIG. 25 forexample), and to adjust both speed and accuracy of the DMIA 236.

In some embodiments, the locational adjustment of the IM ROI 412 can bemade by a click and drag operation. Referring to FIG. 28, the center (orgenerally near the center) of the IM channel 410 can be indicated on theimage display 418 by a predefined ROI indicator 420, e.g., a red line ora dashed line or a wavy line, as non-limiting examples. When a userclicks and drags on the predefined ROI indicator 420, the ROI indicator420 can be repositioned up or down (in relation to FIG. 28). In someembodiments, a predefined tick mark 424 (or line, or any otherindication) can intersect (or provide a relation to) the predefined ROIindicator 420 (shown horizontal). In some embodiments, the tick mark 424can be used to indicate a page start or a stop location for the IM 400,meaning, the tick mark 424 can be positioned or repositioned (with aclick and drag operation, for example) to indicate to the controller 116where the IM 400 on the film 404 should be stopped so the image 428displayed on the image display 418 is in a desired position for the userto view. The predefined tick mark 424 can also be repositionable left orright (in relation to FIG. 28) in a same or similar fashion as the ROIindicator 420 line.

Referring to FIG. 29, in some embodiments, the present page number oraddress boxes 442 can be used to enter or correct the present addressfor one or more pages on the film 404. A batch 454, file 456, and page458 number can be entered into the appropriate window, and/or up anddown arrows can be used to increment or decrement the batch 454, file456, and page 458 numbers. The set button 438 can also be used to definethe present page number or address 442. As an example, the firstrelevant page on the film 404 could be set as page number one. Thispresent page number 442 can then be increased or decreased as the filmis advanced or rewound as a tracked page number. This tracked pagenumber can then be compared to an OCR'd page number available on eachpage to check for accuracy of the position of the film 404, or to checkfor errors in page numbering. As seen in FIG. 28, the indicator box 228has been positioned on a position of the image 428 that includes a pagenumber 448 of the document 450 on the film 404. The magnifier window 226shows page number “(24)”. The OCR engine can be used to OCR the pagenumber 448, or any other associated text, to determine a page number asidentified in the image 428. The OCR'd page number can then be comparedto the tracked page number. If there is a mismatch of pages, the usercan be notified, and/or the imaging system 20 can advance or rewind thefilm 404 to match the OCR'd page number with the tracked page number.

In some embodiments, the imaging system 20 can be configured to notdifferentiate between different sized IMs. For example, when a filmincludes three different sized IMs, the typical configuration is todifferentiate between the three sizes so the batch 454, file 456 andpages 458 can be detected. Yet, it may be desired to merely count eachIM 400 as a page, for example, so each image 428 would only besequentially identifiable.

In order to request a scan of one or multiple pages 450 from the film404, a user can access any one of a hard copy or electronic copy of theindex for the specific roll of film being viewed. An index can be on asheet of paper for example, or can be in a spreadsheet file or otherdatabase that can electronically communication with the imaging system20. The user would identify the desired page or pages from the hard copyindex, and then enter the desired page or pages in the Image MarkSensing window 434 for scanning. When multiple pages for scanning arerequested, the user can enter the pages in any convenient order in theTarget Address box 462 and select the Scan button 464. As non-limitingexamples, pages can be entered sequentially, or in groups, or in ranges,or any combination. The imaging system 20 then can advance and rewindthe film as needed to sense the IMs 400 for locating the requestedpages, acquire an image, and move to the next page until all scans havebeen completed. The imaging system 20 can acquire images in any order,and then electronically rearrange the scanned images so the imagesappear in the order requested by the user, for printing (Print button466) or as an electronic file, for example.

In some embodiments, as the imaging system 20 advances a particular rollof film for the first time and senses the IMs 400 in the IM channel 410,an electronic index can be created to allow the imaging system 20 to“learn” the particular roll of film. The imaging system 20 can generatethe electronic index as the roll of film is advanced during use,allowing only a partial electronic index to be generated and stored,e.g., the roll of film does not need to be advanced from start to finishprior to use.

Particularly when multi-level film is used, the imaging system 20 doesnot know how many batch IMs, file IMs and page IMs are on the film. Whenthe imaging system 20 does not know how many batch 454, file 456, pages458 are on the film 404, the system can “overshoot” a selected pageduring the page location process before the imaging system 20 changingdirection of the film 404 and returns the desired page. In someembodiments, the DMIA 236 can attempt to decelerate the film 404 asquickly as possible to minimize the amount of overshoot, and thedeceleration can take place upon sensing the selected page. In someembodiments, the imaging system 20 is only allowed to overshoot aselected page for a predefined time period (e.g., 0.1 second, 1.0second, 5 seconds as non-limiting examples). During the page locatingprocess, the film 404 is moving past the area sensor 79 at a high rateof speed, and a width 432 (see FIGS. 28 and 29) of each IM 400 is beingsensed to determine if the IM 400 is a batch IM, a file IM, or a pageIM, for example.

With the electronic index created for a particular roll of film, theimaging system 20 can now be “intelligent” for the particular roll offilm because it is aware of each batch, file and page on the roll offilm. The electronic index allows the imaging system 20 to advance andrewind directly to the specific page requested, which improves speed andaccuracy of the system 20. The electronic index also allows the imagingsystem 20 to recognize when a wrong page number is requested and toprovide a message to the user. The electronic index can also beintegrated with other systems to automate the image retrieval process.

In some embodiments, the Image Mark Sensing window 434 can also includeBegin 470 and End 472 buttons. The Begin button 470 can populate theTarget Address box 462 with the value of the Present Address 442.Similarly, the End button 472 can populate the Target Address box 462with the value of the Present Address 442. The Begin and End buttons canbe used when the film 404 is mismarked or is poorly marked, or when theindex is incorrect, for example.

In some embodiments, the Image Mark Sensing window 434 can also includeone or more additional functions. For example, a Verify 476 check box(or any other indication) can be used to require verification that thepresent address is correct. In some embodiments, this can require asecond selection (tap) of the Scan button 464. Other functions caninclude a Straighten/Crop button 480 and an Auto-Brightness button 482as non-limiting examples. A Crop box 768 is shown in FIGS. 28 and 29,for example. The Auto-Brightness feature can be used to set the optimalbrightness for the IM ROI 412 of the area sensor 97 to read the IMs 400within the IM channel 410.

Referring to FIG. 30, in some embodiments, a Setup window 488 can beincluded to provide access and control of various image mark sensingfeatures and functions. As a non-limiting example, the Image Marksbutton 490 can be selected to access the IMS Settings window 494. In theIMS Settings window 494, the Formatting & Indexing tab 496 can be usedto select Film Modes, e.g., simplex and duplex, and Index Formats, e.g.,single, 2, or 3 levels, or customizable. FIGS. 29-31 show an example ofa duplex film mode with a three level index format. As can be seen, inthe duplex mode, the image 428 displayed on the image display 418 isrotated ninety degrees clockwise. This rotation allows both pages 450,452, of the document on the film to be oriented for easier viewing. Ascan be seen, the IM channel 410 has also been rotated to reflect the IMchannel relative to the orientation of the pages on the film 404. Also,a small IM 400 can be seen along with a large IM 514. When in the duplexmode, pages 450, 452, for example, can be straighten/cropped forscanning and printing as one or two different pages, and can beelectronically stored as a single file or individual files.

Referring to FIG. 31, in some embodiments, the IMS Settings window 494can include a Customize tab 498. Customize tab 498 can be used to definethe size of various IMs 400. In FIG. 31, sizes small, medium and largeare shown, although other sizes and nomenclature are possible, e.g.,such as batch, file, and page. One or more of the sizes can beautomatically measured by selecting the respective Measure button 504,or a range including an acceptable deviation can be defined using therespective data entry fields 506. Allowing a user to define the size,including setting a range of widths, for the various IM sizes allows theuser to balance accuracy and speed of the imaging system 20. With awider predefined width of an IM 400, the IM ROI 412 of the area sensor97 may require more time to search for the IM 400, but is also morelikely to locate an IM 400 in the predefined width 432 area for each IM400 size. Further, when magnification (either an increase or areduction) of the film 404 is desired, the predefined width 432 of theIM 400 allows the controller 116 to generally equally adjust the size,e.g., width, of the IM 400 to change with the magnification factor, ascan be seen in the magnifier window 226 in FIG. 28.

The Customize tab 498 can also include an Ignore Image Management Code(IMC) check box 510 (or any other indication). Image Management Codesare IM like features within the IM channel 410. In some applications,the Image Management Codes can be ignored, and selecting the IMC checkbox 510 allows the controller 116 to ignore the IMCs.

The present disclosure describes embodiments with reference to theFigures, in which like numbers represent the same or similar elements.Reference throughout this specification to “one embodiment,” “anembodiment,” or similar language means that a particular feature,structure, or characteristic described in connection with the embodimentis included in at least one embodiment of the present invention. Thus,appearances of the phrases “in one embodiment,” “in an embodiment,” andsimilar language throughout this specification may, but do notnecessarily, all refer to the same embodiment.

The described features, structures, or characteristics of theembodiments may be combined in any suitable manner in one or moreembodiments. In the description, numerous specific details are recitedto provide a thorough understanding of embodiments of the invention. Oneskilled in the relevant art will recognize, however, that theembodiments may be practiced without one or more of the specificdetails, or with other methods, components, materials, and so forth. Inother instances, well-known structures, materials, or operations are notshown or described in detail to avoid obscuring aspects of theinvention. Various modifications, changes, and variations apparent tothose skilled in the art may be made in the arrangement, operation, anddetails of the methods and systems of the present invention disclosedherein without departing from the scope of the claimed invention.

I claim:
 1. A method for sensing an image mark on a microform using adigital microform imaging apparatus, the apparatus having an areasensor, the method comprising the steps of: sensing at least one imagemark on the microform using the area sensor; and sensing an image on themicroform using the area sensor.
 2. The method of claim 1, furtherincluding defining an image mark region of interest within the areasensor; and sensing the least one image mark on the microform using theimage mark region of interest.
 3. The method of claim 1, wherein thearea sensor includes a pixel array having a predefined number of pixels,the image mark region of interest having a predefined number of pixelsless than the predefined number of pixels of the pixel array.
 4. Themethod of claim 1, wherein the image mark is a single mark for a singleimage on the microform.
 5. The method of claim 1, wherein the image markis a single mark for two images on the microform.
 6. The method of claim1, wherein sensing the at least one image mark further includesmeasuring a width of the at least one image mark.
 7. The method of claim6, wherein the at least one image mark has one of only three predefinedwidths.
 8. The method of claim 1, further including determining if theat least one image mark is at least one of a batch image mark or a fileimage mark or a page image mark or an image management code.
 9. Themethod of claim 1, further including placing the area sensor into adecimation mode to read less than a maximum number of pixels availableon the area sensor.
 10. The method of claim 1, further includingpositioning the image mark region of interest on the area sensor tosense the at least one image mark.
 11. The method of claim 1, furtherincluding increasing the gain of the area sensor.
 12. The method ofclaim 1, further including, after sensing the image on the microform,displaying the image on a screen of the digital microform imagingapparatus.
 13. The method of claim 1, wherein the microform is roll filmor cartridge film.
 14. The method of claim 1, wherein the microform isduplex mode microfilm, the duplex mode microfilm including a left imageand a right image associated with each image mark, and further includingselecting one of the left image and the right image for saving as anelectronic file.
 15. A film guide assembly for retaining a microformmedia on a digital microform imaging apparatus, the film guide assemblycomprising: a frame; an outside roller assembly supported by the frame;a middle roller assembly supported by the frame; and an inside rollerassembly supported by the frame; the outside, middle, and inside rollerassemblies forming a film transport path.
 16. The film guide assembly ofclaim 15, wherein at least two of the outside, middle, and inside rollerassemblies form a film slot to load the microform media into the filmguide assembly.
 17. The film guide assembly of claim 15, wherein theframe includes a mounting flange to mount the film guide assembly to thedigital microform imaging apparatus.
 18. The film guide assembly ofclaim 15, wherein at least one of the outside, middle, and inside rollerassemblies include a user repositionable guiding flange.
 19. The filmguide assembly of claim 15, wherein at least one of the outside, middle,and inside roller assemblies include a bearing retention sleeve.
 20. Thefilm guide assembly of claim 19, further including at least one bearingpositioned in the bearing retention sle